Four people escaped injury when an electrical fire damaged a New Road residence Jan. 22.
The fire began around 10 a.m. in the one-story home, which is divided into two apartments and is located by the southeast corner of New Road and Route 522, according to Fire District 2 coordinator Doug Wolfe.
”There was an electrical problem in the panel of one of the apartments,” Mr. Wolfe said.
”The fire got out of the electrical box and into the wall, then into the ceiling and adjoining room.”
Firefighters from Monmouth Junction and Kendall Park responded, as did South Brunswick police and the Monmouth Junction first aid squad. It took firefighters about 15 to 20 minutes to get the blaze under control, according to Mr. Wolfe. He said New Road was closed for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Residents of the apartment where the fire began had already evacuated by the time firefighters arrived. Residents of the other apartment weren’t home when the fire occurred and the fire was under control before it spread to the other dwelling.
The house didn’t sustain any significant structural damage, according to Mr. Wolfe.
He said the apartment where the fire occurred will be uninhabitable for quite awhile.
”They’re going to be out of there for some time,” Mr. Wolfe said.
”The apartment has to have new wiring put in and there was damage to the walls so it’ll be some time before they get back in.”
Mr. Wolfe said the residents were offered help and a place to stay by the Red Cross, but he was unaware of their current arrangements.
The fire is not considered suspicious.

